By DANA BRENNER Charbonneau resident

This new monthly feature is intended to broaden representation of resident faces and voices , allow us to better get to know our neighbors , increase a sense of intergenerational community and highlight events and efforts that do any of the above .

Laura and Gracen Schott — Country Club Estates

Laura Schott and her daughter Gracen , 8 , are thrilled to make Charbonneau their home . Laura has lived here most of the past 20 years — at first with her mother during high school , where she was one of the first female students admitted to Jesuit High School . They won four state soccer championships and competed nationally . After double majoring in Marketing and Political Science at University of California- Berkeley , Laura went on to play for the U . S . National Team and was one of the first draft picks in the shortlived professional women ’ s soccer league . Her team won the national championship .

Soon after , she settled down back in the area , and has lived in Charbonneau for 10 years . While Laura ’ s mom ( a retired nurse ) also still lives here ( one of our many resident grandmas helping to raise grandchildren ), they each have their own homes now . Laura spent 12 years directing clubs and coaching soccer at PSU , and now coaches part-time at George Fox University and runs camps . Additionally , she and a former soccer colleague have a highly successful real estate business , Windemere NW Living , where they have sold 170 houses in the past two years .

Gracen is an outgoing , active and communicative girl in the third grade at Horizon Christian School . She

enjoys swimming , shooting hoops , spending time with animals , playing tennis and chess , doing theater and taking voice lessons . We asked Laura a few questions . Q : What are your favorite things about living in Charbonneau ?

A : So many . It ’ s clean , quiet and full of kind and friendly people . It ’ s walkable , runnable and I can play golf right here . I ’ ve had neighbors invite me in to get to know me when I was handing out business cards . That doesn ’ t happen everywhere . It ’ s a safe and friendly place to raise my daughter , and we can be close to my mom .

Q : What kinds of activities and amenities does your family take part in here ?

A : We use the pool a lot in summer . I run and play golf here . We recreate at Edith Green Park and visit the dogs in good weather . We have enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt often . This year , we rented space in the new Activity Center to throw my mom a birthday party . I was very impressed with it .

Q : What are your hopes for Charbonneau as it develops ?

I ’ d like to bring more families here . Most people falsely believe that it is an official retirement community , rather than a place that is great for friendly and livable intergenerational living . I ’ d like to tell that story in my real estate work , and elsewhere . I ’ d like to see and be part of creating more varied community events and activities that appeal to a broad range of residents .

Q : What do you have to offer the community / your neighbors ?

A : I could see using my athletic skills and background to possibly offer games at the park for kids and grandkids . I ’ m always here to help people with their real estate needs . I ’ d consider being on the board at some point , and offering a voice that represents younger residents and families .

Q : What might you appreciate receiving from the community / your neighbors ?

A : I ’ d love to find someone to give my daughter Spanish lessons .

Laura and Gracen can be reached at lmschott118 @ gmail . com

Laura Schott , her daughter Gracen and her mother Norma all live in Charbonneau .

COURTESY PHOTO